Handbook

2017-2018 Cox Orchestra Student Handbook

Rehearsal Rules

Be in our seats, tuned, and ready for rehearsal within five minutes of the bell.

Raise our hands and wait to be dismissed before leaving our seats.

Refrain from bringing gum, food, or drinks to rehearsal.

Maintain a positive environment where everyone is free to be creative and make mistakes.

Consequences:

Warning

Student/Teacher Conference

Student/Parent/Teacher Conference Call

Office Referral and Parent Call

Class Materials

You will need the following materials for orchestra class each day:

Instrument

Violins and violas must be brought from home and taken back home each day of orchestra class

Cellos and basses are available to use during class if one is provided for home practice

Music Folder

Any sheet music or handouts given out by Ms. Thomas

Accessories:

Violins/Violas: shoulder rest

Cellos/Basses: rock stop

Rosin

Soft cloth for wiping instruments (optional)

​Pencil (no pens!)

ACTIVITY FEE: $30 per student

Grading Policy

Rehearsal Skills (50%)It is of the utmost importance that students come prepared to class, and participate in class activities. Students will receive a weekly grade for rehearsal skills and preparedness based on a 100 point system. Each student starts with 100 points for the week. If the student is present, participates in class, brings all necessary materials to class, and attends any scheduled after school rehearsals, then the student keeps his or her 100 points. A list of possible deductions is as follows: absent from after school rehearsal (-75), absent from class (-25), no instrument (-20), no music (-15), no shoulder rest (-10), disrupting class (-10), no pencil (-10). Points for rehearsal skills can be regained through extra credit (see “Extra Credit” below).

Tests and Quizzes (30%)• Spot Checks: In lieu of practice records, students will perform and record (using their phone or computer) weekly “spot checks,” and upload them to Google Classroom. These quick spot checks will cover areas of the piece that need the most work, the exact location of which will be disclosed by Ms. Thomas at the beginning of the week. Unlike playing tests, spot checks may not be made up, as the goal of these checks is to ensure that the student is improving by practicing at home.• Playing Tests: Students will perform individual playing tests (twice per nine week grading period) on pieces being performed in the upcoming concert or on supplementary material. A student may ask to re-take his or her playing test by scheduling an appointment during lunch or after school if not satisfied with the initial grade. The students will be allowed to re-take their playing tests until they achieve a satisfying grade. The goal of the playing test is to master the material.

Concert Attendance and Participation (20%)Students must attend all orchestra performances. Excused absences include deaths in the family, extreme illness (documented by a doctor’s note), and major scheduling conflicts (family wedding, bar mitzvah, etc.). Written notice of scheduling conflicts must be given no later than one month before the performance. Unexcused absences can not be made up. Concert uniforms must be worn to each concert (see “Concert Dress: section below). If there is no performance during a nine-weeks, the “Tests and Quizzes” category will comprise 50% of the grade.

Concert and Rehearsal Attendance Policy

Rehearsal Attendance​Daily rehearsal participation accounts for 50% of each student’s grade. If a student misses class he or she can choose to complete a spot check from that day’s rehearsal or an extra credit assignment to regain the participation points.

After School Sectionals and RehearsalsAfter school rehearsals are mandatory and can not be made up. 75 for the week’s 100 points will be deducted for an absence from an after school rehearsal. If a student misses the after-school dress rehearsal and/or the in-class rehearsal immediately proceeding a concert, it is up to Ms. Thomas's discretion whether or not that student will perform in the concert (with a make-up assignment available).

Concert AttendanceEach orchestra student is required to attend and participate in all concerts. Students will be graded on their attendance and appropriate dress. Cox Orchestra is a team and cannot perform effectively without all of its members. Every musician is important to a successful performance! Excused absences include: extreme illness, death in the family, unpreventable emergency, or a prior commitment, of which Ms. Thomas has been notified, in writing, by September 14/15th . Unexcused absences cannot be made-up for any reason.

*Uniform fitting will occur at school during class. Uniforms must be purchased by the students and parents. If you financially unable to purchase a uniform, please speak with Ms. Thomas.

Students who fail to meet the requirements of the dress code will not be allowed to participate in the concert, and will therefore receive a grade of zero for that performance.​

Extra Credit Opportunities

Participation points can be earned through extra-credit by pursuing the following assignments (up to 100 points):

♬ Join the Tri-M Music Honor Society! (10 points)♬ After School Help (25-100 points) ♪ Come get one-on-one help from Ms. Thomas♬ Audition for Senior Regional Orchestra (25 points)♬ Participate in SRO (25 points)♬ Participate in local youth orchestra (25 points)♬ Attend a professional / university performance (15 points) ♪ bring program to Ms. Thomas within three days of the concert♬ Create a composer’s Facebook page (25 points) ♪ see Ms. Thomas for guidelines♬ Write a 32 measure two-part composition in Noteflight (10 points)

Questions? Email Ms. Thomas at coxorch@gmail.com for more information.